This information is for anyone who has a penis, no matter who you have sex with and for people who bottom (receive anal sex). We’ll show you how to take PrEP which stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis”; a pill that protects you against HIV.

PrEP is for people who are HIV negative.

To get protection from PrEP, you need to start with 2 pills at once. This is called a double dose. Take them between 2 and 24 hours before sex. This will get the medicine into your body so it can protect you.

If you have sex at least once a week, daily PrEP might work best for you. We call this daily dosing and here’s how it works:

• Start with 2 pills (your double dose), between 2 and 24 hours before
• Then take 1 pill every day, around the same
• Keep taking a pill every day while you’re sexually
• After your last sex, keep taking PrEP for 2 more

For example: If you’re planning to have sex at 9pm on Friday, take your double dose anytime between 9pm on Thursday and 7pm on Friday. Then take 1 pill every day, around the same time, and keep going for 2 days after you last have sex.

By taking daily PrEP, you’re always protected against HIV, even is sex happens unexpectedly. No need to plan around pills once you’re in a routine.

If you have sex less often, or you usually plan ahead, event-based PrEP (also called 2:1:1 dosing) might be better for you. Here’s how it works:

• Start with 2 pills (your double dose), between 2 and 24 hours before
• Take 1 pill the day after
• Then take 1 more pill the next

Here is an example: If you’re having sex at 7pm on Saturday, take your double dose at least 2 hours before (between 7pm on Friday and 5pm on Saturday). Then take 1 pill on Sunday and Monday. If sex happens again, keep taking 1 pill every day you’re having sex, and for 2 days after you last have sex.

If you’re going to Pride, travelling, or going to sex parties, it’s a good idea to keep taking PrEP. These are times when unexpected sex might happen, staying on PrEP keeps you protected against HIV.

PrEP does not stop you getting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s still a good idea to use condoms and get regular STI checks.

What if I miss my double dose?

If you missed your double dose and still had sex, take the 2 pills as soon as possible, especially if it’s within 24 hours after sex. Then take 1 pill every day for at least 2 more days.

If you’re not sure what to do, please call Leeds Sexual Health.

If our clinic is closed, take 2 pills as soon as you can (within 72 hours after sex) and go to the Emergency department, you might be offered PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), another medicine that can help prevent HIV.

I inject drugs as part of sex

If you inject drugs during sex (also known as chemsex), it’s even more important to stay protected. In this case, after your double dose, take 1 pill every day for 7 days, not just 2 days. Please check out our separate video on PrEP and injecting drugs for more help.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Leeds Sexual Health. We’re here to help you stay safe and informed.